The Triplets' Silent Mate

Chapter 8 – Caught Between Instinct and Choice

Ayla’s POV

They’re here; I feel them before I even see them. Their dominant auras suck up the air around me, yet I manage to ignore it.

"That's interesting," I mutter. "I always used to quiver under Kael’s aura."

"It's because you're their equal," Tala says, a sly smile in her voice. "Welcome to the big leagues, darling."

My breath slows as I crouch behind the thick trunk of an old tree, the bark rough beneath my fingers. I don’t move.

"They stopped," I gasp, surprised. "Why would they stop? That’s so not them."

"Of course they would," Tala replies. "They’re not complete idiots—just close."

My heart pounds harder. They’re close—far too close for my liking. The forest suddenly feels smaller, tighter, like it’s closing in around me. Suffocating me with their presence.

A branch snaps somewhere ahead, soft and controlled but not careless.

"That was intentional," I say, narrowing my eyes. "They usually move in silence."

"They’re tracking you," Tala replies. "And announcing it. Very dramatic. Typical Alpha behavior."

"I can see that," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "They’re not rushing to find me."

"No," Tala says. "They’re hunting smart. I know, shocking."

That somehow makes it worse. I feel like prey. I shouldn't feel like prey. It's insulting.

My fingers curl into the bark until it hurts.

I should leave.

"Too late," Tala chirps, almost humming. "Showtime, babe."

My chest tightens, and adrenaline fills my veins.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"They already feel you," she replies. "Wolves and their bonds. Worst game of hide-and-seek ever."

My breath catches.

"Feel me?" I ask. "What on earth are you saying?"

"The bond," she replies casually. "You’re basically sending up flares. Might as well have worn a neon sign."

A cold wave settles over me. Running wasn’t going to help. Hiding wouldn’t either. They would find me as long as I was still in the territory.

A voice cuts through the forest, making me freeze. "Step out."

My heart slams against my ribs; I know that voice. It belongs to Kael.

"He sounds different from your memories," Tala says, sing-song. "Maybe he grew a conscience overnight. Wouldn’t bet on it."

"Mm," I reply, not fooled. "Yet still commanding."

Always commanding.

"Come out, Ayla," Kael calls again.

Hearing my name stirs something in my chest. He never used my name.

I press myself closer to the tree, trying to steady my breathing.

"They know it’s you," Tala says quietly. "Doesn’t matter what you do, you can't hide from them forever. Believe me, I’d give you points for effort though."

"I know," I say, closing my eyes briefly.

Memories hit—cruel and devastating. The mocking laughter fills my mind. Their cold, cruel words echo in my ears.

"I’m not going," I say, my decision instant and firm. "I’m not walking out to them."

"You’re not afraid of them," Tala whispers. "Admit it, you’re more afraid of what happens if you stand your ground. Or if you don’t. Such a dilemma."

My eyes snap open. "I am. I am terrified..."

"No," Tala says calmly. "You’re afraid of what happens if you don’t run. Or maybe you’re just afraid of ruining your record for ‘Most Dramatic Forest Scene.’"

"That doesn’t make sense," I say.

"It does," she argues, rolling her mental eyes. "Try to keep up. I promise, I’ll draw you a diagram later."

"You felt it, didn't you?"

My grip tightens. She’s referring to the pull. The way my body reacted last night, the way I had to fight against it with everything inside me to walk away.

"I don’t want that," I reply flatly.

"That’s not entirely your choice," she says, pinning my gaze. "Annoying, I know. Take it up with the Moon Goddess."

My chest tightens again, making it hard to breathe. "It is," I insist. "I did it once, and I'll show you I can do it again."

"It isn’t," she sighs, her sarcasm softening. "But hey, you get points for stubbornness."

"Then what is?" I ask, frustration flaring.

Tala exhales slowly and then says, "It all depends on how you face it. Preferably with more style than last time."

The words settle, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

I glance toward the trees ahead. I can’t see them, but I feel them. They’re closer now, waiting for me to decide what to do.

"They’re not attacking?" I murmur in disbelief.

"No," Tala replies. "Guess they left their pitchforks at home."

"They’re… waiting?" I whisper.

"Yes. For you. Stars, who would’ve thought?"

That’s not the boys I know. It confuses me. That wasn’t like them—especially not Ryker.

"It’s different..." my thoughts trail off.

"Because everything changed," Tala says. "Bonded now. Their egos can’t afford to hurt you. I mean, how would they survive the guilt?"

I swallow hard, but my heart still doesn't want to slow.

"I don’t trust them," I say; that’s one thing I’m sure about. Years of torment will do that to a person.

"You don’t have to," Tala says. "But you can’t ignore them either. You could try, but I’d have to mock you for it."

My jaw tightens stubbornly. I want to, and I sure as hell am going to try.

"You can try," Tala says, listening to my thoughts. "But I promise, that’s only going to end badly. But hey, I support your right to make questionable life choices."

I shift slightly, peeking past the tree, stealing a glimpse of them. They’re closer than I expected. Their stillness makes me anxious; they look like snakes ready to strike.

Kael stands at the front, always playing the leader of his small wolf pack. His jaw is set and tense, and his cold blue eyes look worried.

Ryker stands to his right. He looks tense—too tense, like he’s about to lose control. His hands are clenched at his sides.

Soren stands to Kael's left, quietly, almost relaxed. Watching, always watching.

I pull back quickly before they can spot me.

"They’re right there," I whisper, panicked.

"I know," Tala says, raising an eyebrow. "Shall I start singing the Jaws theme?"

I might pass out. What the hell am I going to do?

"They’re not leaving," I say, panic rising.

"No, they’re not," she says. "They came to claim you. Or, you know, stare awkwardly until someone blinks."

That's definitely not happening on my watch.

"What do you suggest I do?" I ask.

For the first time, Tala doesn’t answer immediately.

"That’s up to you," she finally says. "Shock me. Make it interesting."

My chest tightens, panic filling every bit of my body.

"I don’t know how to face them," I say honestly.

"Then don’t face them like the girl they remember," Tala says. "You’re not a doormat. You’re at least a rug with attitude now."

I go still. The words settle deep. I am not the girl they made fun of anymore.

"Face them as who you are now," she continues. "Show them you won’t settle for their crap. If you want, I’ll even heckle from the sidelines."

Tala is right. I am no longer the broken girl from yesterday.

I take a slow breath. Then another. Their scents seep in, forcing my heart to calm down.

"They hurt me," I say.

"I know," Tala says. "And if you want, I can hold a grudge on your behalf. I’m great at grudges."

"I won’t forget that," I tell her.

"You shouldn’t," she says. "Seriously, I endorse the full grudge package."

Something shifts inside me, and my eyes flicker toward them.

"But I won’t run either," I say, feeling an internal strength settle inside me.

"Good," Tala says. "Now go show them who you really are! Try not to trip on the way out, okay?"

I take a deep breath and step out from behind the tree.

The cold air hits me immediately, and so do their gazes.

The bond tightens between us—sharp and unforgiving.

"They can feel your anger," Tala says, her tone almost smug. "About time."

My heart stutters, but I don’t move back. I don’t run. I just stand there, glaring at them, anger pulsing through me.

For the first time, I’m not hiding in a corner. I’m not invisible in their eyes. They can’t make me feel small.

Kael’s gaze locks onto mine.

Ryker goes still.

Soren watches.

And everything changes, because now, they see me—and for the first time… they’re looking at me like I matter.

****